This is Mary Lynn Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Lynn Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Ashford
Counselor License Type(s): LPC, NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Greetings! I am Lynn and am a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional as well as certified in Telemental Health through the Telehealth Certification Institute. I have 10 years of experience working with people from 3 -90 years old. With such a wide age range, I have encountered a variety of issues from depression, anxiety , trauma, grief, relationship issues, ADHD, as well as coping with developmental disabilities, to name a few. Whatever brings you here, I believe that with the right tools and roadmap, people can overcome obstacles to successful living and begin to live the life that brings them fulfillment. I believe that the therapeutic process is a collaborative effort built through an authentic and trusting relationship. That is what drives my style of warm honesty and compassionate regard for individual struggles while seeking the most effective strategies for you, as an individual. When appropriate, I do like to bring humor to the process. A good smile or laugh at ourselves can sometimes bring much healing. People are my heart and lifework. I consider it an honor to partner with people in their pain and difficulties and see the process of successful internal resolutions come to life! I consider it a privilege to collaborate with others, helping to empower them to become their best!

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Madalyn Caldwell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Ashford
Counselor License Type(s): Ed.S,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hello! I am Madalyn Caldwell. I'm a licensed professional counselor in the state of Alabama. I work with people who have difficulty with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and perinatal mental health. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, and solution focused brief therapy to help clients achieve their counseling goals. I hope to create a safe place for you to work through life's struggles and challenges. We will work together to ensure that you are able to develop skills and tools to help overcome many obstacles that life may through your way.

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Katie Newberry

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Ashford
Counselor License Type(s): LICSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I have been involved in mental health roles as a social worker for the past three years. I have experience working with all ages ranging from school aged children to geriatric clients. I also have over 6 years of experience working with people with moderate to severe disabilities in multiple different capacities. I have a Bachelors in Social Work from Auburn University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama. I am currently licensed as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. My counseling style is very laid back as I find it is most important to create an inviting environment in order to facilitate trust. Trust and respect are two of the most important aspects of a beneficial therapeutic relationship. I use solution focused and person centered approaches, and also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma focused therapy. I utilize a wide skill set in order to most effectively work with clients to create the best treatment plan, and make the most progress. Taking the first step and seeking help is often the most difficult step to take. By starting on this journey, you are already on the path to success. If you're willing to begin, I'm here to help. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. BETTIE HILLMAN

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Ashford
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

I am Dr. Bettie Hillman, Ed.D., LPC, CCTP, and am Called by Dr. Hillman. I am licensed by the State of Alabama with 10 years of professional work experience. I am in Private Practice which was established in July 2012. I hold a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, Sarasota, Fl., and a Masters degree in Community Counseling from the University of North Alabama. My work experience has not only been in private practice but also in volunteer work with children and adolescents as well as agency work with children and adolescents. I have done agency work in drug addiction, as well. Privately I have done work with grief counseling, individual counseling, geriatric counseling, and couples counseling. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, grief and depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will focus our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It is your story and sessions will be guided by your specific concerns. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & facilitate that change as you take that journey going forward.

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Ithaca Favor

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Ashford
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Thomas Johnson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Ashford
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
50 years of experience

Hello to all prospective BetterHelp clients - I'm currently licensed for practice in Alabama and for those of you who may be considering contacting a mental health counselor here, I would welcome any input or questions you might have. As a brief introduction, following graduation from the University of Alabama School of Social Work in 1973, I entered the practice field working in a psychiatric in-patient facility providing counseling services for individuals experiencing chronic mental health issues. In 1977, I transitioned to a clinical social worker position with the Department of Veterans Affairs and was part of an inter-disciplinary team providing outpatient mental health assessment and treatment services to veterans and their family members. For the next 43 years I had the privilege and honor of providing both individual and group counseling services to thousands of veterans, both male and female, combat and non-combat related. I currently offer counseling services addressing a wide spectrum of adjustment issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, marital and family dysfunction, as well as other life adjustment issues currently impacting one's quality of life. I'm always flexible in my treatment approach and strive first of all, to lay a solid foundation of empathy and trust through a non-judgmental perspective. Various treatment modalities are utilized depending on what we feel is the best fit for you at any given point in therapy and your input will remain integral since my treatment approach embraces awareness that you, as the client, have the best perspective on what's working most effectively. While no counselor can be a perfect fit for everyone, I would be more than happy to talk with you further to explore available options in getting you headed in the best direction for your life.

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Candace Clark

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Ashford
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 6 years of professional work experience. I have been working as a mental health professional since 2017 and I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a myriad of struggles such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, life changes, and trauma among other issues. My therapeutic approach incorporates evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, MI, and person-centered therapy. I would love to meet with you to provide help in learning the best approach to fit you and what you’re experiencing. I hope you consider taking time for yourself to find the safe space you deserve to move forward.

This is Tyler Newman's avatar and link to their profile

Tyler Newman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Ashford
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefAnger management
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, adolescents, and family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Whitney Shelton's avatar and link to their profile

Whitney Shelton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Ashford
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 12 years of professional work experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, grief and loss, anger management, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am passionate about helping individuals reach their maximum potential while facilitating change in their lives. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Let me help you create a new reality that gives meaning to your life.

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Dr. Shalanda Kangethe

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Ashford
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoaching
13 years of experience

Bio Dr. Shalanda Kangethe, EdD Born in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Shalanda Kangethe overcame great obstacles growing—experiences that have profoundly influenced her career as a therapist. Specializing in helping individuals identify and explore emotions that obstruct their personal, professional, and spiritual growth, she works extensively with families of origin, childhood trauma, and interpersonal and marital challenges. With over a decade of experience coaching individuals in business consultation,, Dr. Kangethe's expertise spans across a wide range of client needs, including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, self-harm/suicidal ideation, substance/alcohol use, and developmental disabilities. She is trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), strengths-based approaches, and dual disorders of substance use/mental health. Dr. Kangethe utilizes a spiritual and clairvoyant approach to the therapeutic process, seeing clients as the true experts in their own lives while viewing herself as a guide and mentor along the way. She is known for her authenticity, genuine nature, and use of humor in the therapy process, qualities her clients have come to appreciate. Dr. Kangethe loves working with children, teens, families, and couples, believing everyone deserves a safe and healing place to work through life's difficulties. She aims to bring families and couples closer together through therapeutic work, fostering fulfilling relationships.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Ashford

Finding the best therapist close by in Ashford can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Ashford that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Ashford. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Ashford, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Ashford region and in the state of Alabama. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Ashford or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Ashford therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Ashford area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Ashford, elsewhere in Houston, or in the greater state of Alabama. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Ashford area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ashford therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Ashford due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Ashford may not take health insurance, some in the state of Alabama may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Alabama you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Ashford online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Ashford, Alabama working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Ashford psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Ashford above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Ashford provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Ashford?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ashford therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Ashford therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Ashford therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in AL, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 36312 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Ashford counselor?

Before seeing your Ashford therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Ashford therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Ashford licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Ashford counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Ashford, Alabama can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Ashford has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Ashford, Alabama

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Ashford therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Ashford.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Ashford:

36312

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